Sensitive fluorographic detection of 3H and 14C on chromatograms using methyl anthranilate as a scintillant

Methyl anthranilate is a simple, sensitive, and inexpensive liquid scintillant for fluorographic detection of weak beta-emitting isotopes on chromatograms. Detection of tritium is enhanced 1000-fold compared to autoradiography in a 24-h exposure. Since methyl anthranilate is a viscous liquid, it is easily applied as an even coating which subsequently solidifies at the low temperature (-80 degrees C) used for fluorography. Of several liquid scintillants tested, methyl anthranilate was most effective, followed by 9-ethyl fluorene, methyl salicylate, and 1-methyl naphthalene. The efficiency of 1-methyl naphthalene could be raised to the level of methyl anthranilate by the addition of a small amount (0.5%) of 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO).